COURSE OUTLINE IN

PROBLEM AREAS IN LEGAL ETHICS

1st Semester, AY 2017-2018

A. Classroom Rules:

1. Attendance will be checked at the beginning of every meeting.

2. Recitation will be conducted every meeting. Students are expected, therefore,
to come to class prepared and to have read the materials scheduled to be
covered during the meeting. When a student is reciting, the rest of the class is
expected to listen to him. Students are encouraged to participate in the
discussion by asking questions.
3. A student who is called to recite is expected to close his book during his
recitation.
4. Electronic gadgets are not prohibited during class hours. A student is
expected, however, to turn off his mobile phone or to put it on silent mode as
soon as he steps into the classroom. If the student expects a call during the
meeting, he can take the call by discretely leaving the classroom. Laptops,
tablets, and other similar electronic devices, are not, likewise, prohibited but
the students who are called to recite should close these electronic devices for
the duration of their recitation. The same rule applies to mobile phones that
serve as data storage.
5. Any student may discretely leave the classroom if and when absolutely
necessary. When a student is not in the classroom when called for recitation,
he will be given a grade of 5.0 or its equivalent.

B. Grading System:
Recitation - ___
Quiz - ___
Mid-Term Exam - ___
Final Exam - ___

C. Reference/s:
1. Reviewer on Legal and Judicial Ethics by Atty. Vyva Victoria M. Aguirre. 2014
2. Answer to Bar Questions by UP Law Center
3. The Lex Paretto Notes by Conana Bookstore
4. Basic Legal Ethics by Theresa Dizon

I.Introduction
A.) Code of Professional Responsibility

1. The Lawyer and the Society

 Brion, Jr. V. Brillantes, Jr., (Adm. Case No. 5305, March 17, 2003)
 Zaguirre v. Castillo (Adm. Case No. 4921. March 6, 2003)
 Cordova v. Cordova) Adm. Case No. 3249, November 29, 1989)
 Lizaso v. Amante (Adm. Case No. 2019, June 3, 1991)
 Sebastian Case v. Calis ( Adm. Case No. 5118, September 9, 1999)
 Reyes v. Gaa (Adm. Matter No. 1048, July 14, 1995)
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 Villarin, et al. V. Sabate, Jr. (Adm. Case No. 3324, February 9, 2000)
 Flores v. Chua (Adm. Case No. 4500, April 30, 1999)
 Donton v. Tansingco (Adm. Case No. 6057, June 27, 2006)
 Dacanay v. Baker & McKenzie, Adm Case No. 2131, May 10, 1985)
 Collantes v. Renomeron (Adm. Case No. 3056, August 16, 1991)
 Lahm v. Mayor (Adm. Case No. 7430, February 15, 2012)

2. The Lawyer and the Legal Profession

 Tan v. Sabandal (Bar Matter No. 44, February 24, 1992)

 Camacho v. Pangulayan, et al. (Adm. Case No. 4807, March 22,2000)
 Tapay v. Bancolo ( Adm. Case No. 9604, March 20, 2013)
 Alawi v. Alauya (Adm. Matter SDC-97-2-P, February 24, 1997)

3. The Lawyer and the Courts

 Libit v. Oliva (Adm. Case No. 2837, October 7, 1994)

 Cobb-Perez v. Lantin (G.R. No. L-22320, July 29, 1968)
 Fernandez v. Bello (G.R. No. L-14277, April 30, 1960)
Penticostes v. Hidalgo (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-89-331, September 28, 1990)
 Garcia v. Francisco (Adm. Case No. 3923, March 30, 1993)
Alcantara, et al., v. De Vera (Adm. Case No. 5859, November 23, 2010)
 Olivares v. Villalon (Adm. Case No. 6323, April 13, 2007)
 Bergonia v. Merrera (Adm. Case No. 5024, February 20, 2003)

4. The Lawyer and the Client

 Santiago, et al. V. Fojas (A.C. No. 4103, September 7, 1995)

 Rosacia v. Blalacao (Adm. Case N. 3745, October 2, 1995)
 Abragan, et al. V. Rodriquez (Adm. Case No. 4346, April 3, 2002)
 Dee v. CA ( G.R. No. 77439, August 24, 1989)
 Atty. Melchor E. Ruste (Adm. Case No. 632, June 27, 1940)
 Licuanan v. Melo ( Adm. Case No. 2361, February 9, 1989)
 Quilban v. Robinol, Dmin. Case No. 214, April 10, 1989)
 Tanhueco v. De Dumo (Adm. Case No. 1437, April 25, 1989)
 Reontoy v. Ibadlit (Adm. Case CBD No. 190, January 28, 1998)

B.) Judicial Conduct

 A. M. No. 03-05-01- SC, Adopting the New Code of Judicial Conduct
for the Philippines Judiciary (2004); with Amendment OCA Cir. No.
103-6, July 28, 2006.

1. Independence

2. Integrity
 Talens-Dabon v. Arceo (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-96-1336, July 25, 1996)
 Office of the Court Administrator v. Estacion, Jr. (Adm. Case No.
RTJ-87-104, August 23, 1995)
 Guttierrez v. Belan (Adm. Matter No, MTJ-95-1059, August 7, 1998)

3. Impartiality

 Pico v. Combong, Jr. (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-91-764, November 6, 1992)

Course Syllabus- Problem Areas in Legal Ethics

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 Rules of Court, Rule 137, Sec. 1- Disqualification of Judges

 Albos v. Alaba (Adm Matter No. MTJ-91-517, March 11, 1994)

4. Propriety

 Javier v. De Guzman (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-89-380, December 19, 1990)

 Dawa, et al. V. De Asa (Adm. Matter No. MTJ- 98-1144, July 22, 1998)
 Balayon, Jr. V. Ocampo (Adm. Matter No. MTJ-91- 619, January 29, 1993)
 Alfonso v. Juanson (Adm. Matter No. RTJ 92- 904, December 7, 1993)
 Yulo- Tuvilla v. Balgos ( Adm. Matter No. MTJ- 98-1149, March 31, 1998)
 Villaluz v. Mijares, Adm. Matter No. RTJ- 98-1402, April 3, 1998)
 Office od the Court Administrator v. De Guzman, Jr. (Adm. Matter No.
RTJ-93-1021, January 31, 1997)
 Vistan v. Nicolas (Adm. Matter No. MTJ-87-79, September 13, 1991)
 Ramos v. Barot (Adm. Matter No. MTJ-00-1338, January 21, 2004)
 Decena v. Malanyaon (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-10-2217, April 8, 2013)

5. Equality

6. Competence and Diligence

 Ualat v. Ramos ( Adm. Matter No. MTJ-91-567, December 6, 1996)

 Lumapas v. Tamin (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-99-1519, June 27, 2000)
 Roriquez v. Barro (Adm Matter No. 1587-CTJ, August 23, 1978)
 Ruiz v. Bringas (Dm. Matter No. MTJ-00-1266, April 6, 2000)
 Tan v. Madayag (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-93-995, MArch 11, 1994)

II. Discipline of Lawyers

A.) Nature of the Proceedings

 Sui Generis, neither criminal nor civil

B.) Grounds for Disciplinary Action

 Deceit
 Malpractice
 Gross Misconduct in Ofice
 Grossly Immoral Conduct
 Conviction of a crime involving Moral Torpitude
 Violation of the Lawyer’s Oath
 Willfull disobedience of any lawful order of the court
 Corruptly or willfully appearing as an attorney for a party to a case without
authority to do so.

C.) Nature and Extension of Sanction

1. Suspension
2. Disbarment
3. Effect of Pardon
- Evidence of Reformation

D.) Quantum of Evidence Required

 Preponderance of Evidence

 Ylaya v. Gacott (Admin Case No. 6475. January 30, 2013)

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E.) How Instituted

1. By the Supreme Court, Motu propio
2. By the IBP Board of Governors
a) Motu Propio
b) Upon referral by the Supreme Court
c) Referrral by the Chapter Board
d) Upon verified complaint by the person

F.) Who may file the complaint

G.) Formal requirements

Fernandez v. Novero, Jr. (Admin Case No. 5394. December 2, 2022)

Bautista v. Gonzalez (Admin Matter No. 1625, February 12, 1990)

H.) Proceedings in the IBP

 Rule 139- B

III. Judicial Conduct

A.) Procedure for Discipline of Judges

 Resolution, Adm. Matter No. 02-9-02- SC, September 17, 2002)

B.) Duty to defend against Charges of Misconduct

 Imbang c. del Rosario (Adm. Matter No. 03-1515-MJT, November 19,

2004)

C.) Due Process requirement

 Office of the Court Administrator v. Fuentes (Adm. Matter No.

RTJ-94-1270, August 23, 1995)
 Macalintal v. Teh (Adm. Matter No. RTJ- 97-1375, October 16, 1997)

D.) Effect of Retirement or Separation from service

 Gallo v. Cordero ( Adm. Matter No. MTJ-95-1035, June 21, 1995)

 Office of the Court Administrator v. Sumilang (Adm. Matter No.
MTJ-94-989, April 18, 1997)
 Louis C. Biraogo (Adm. Matter No. 09-2-19- SC, February 24, 2009)

E.) Prescription

 Heck v. Santos (Adm. Matter No. RTJ-01-1657, February 23, 2004)

F.) Where acts complained of are also criminal in nature:

Quantum of Evidence required

 Bartolome v. de Borja (Adm. Matter No. 1096-CFI. MAy 31, 1976)

 Tan v. Pacuribot (Adm. Matter No. RTJ -06-1982, December 14, 2007)

G.) Administrative Proceedings distinct from Criminal Proceedings

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 Icasiano v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 95642, May 28, 1992)

 Maceda v. Vasquez ( G.R. No. 102781, April 22, 1993)

IV. ADDITIONAL CASES

1. Cayetano vs. Monsod, GR No. 100113, Sept. 3, 1991
2. People vs. Maceda, GR Nos. 89591-96, Jan. 24, 2000
3. OCA vs. Ladaga, AM No. P-99-1287, Jan. 26, 2001
4. In Re: Application for Admission to the Phil. Bar of Vicente Ching, BM No. 914,
Oct. 1, 1999
5. In Re: Disqualification of Bar Examinee Haron S. Meling, BM No. 1154, June 8,
2004
6. Alawi vs. Alauya, AM No. SDC-97-2-P, Feb. 4, 1997
7. Grande vs. Atty. De Silva, AC No. 4838, July 29, 2003
8. Re: Petition of Al Argosino to Take the Lawyer’s Oath, BM No. 712 M, March
1997
9. Tapucar vs. Tapucar, AC No. 4148, July 30, 1998
10. Garrido vs. Garrido and Valencia, AC No. 6593, Feb. 4, 2010
11. Cruz vs. Mijares, et. al., GR No. 154464, Sept. 11, 2008
12. People vs. Santocildes Jr., GR No. 109149, Dec. 21, 1999
13. PAFLU vs. BinalbaganIsabela Sugar Co., GR No. L-23959, Nov. 29, 1971
14. Five J Taxi vs. NLRC, GR No. 111474, Aug. 22, 1994
15. Kanlaon Construction vs. NLRC, GR No. 126625, Sept. 18, 1997
16. Vargas vs. Atty. Ignes, Atty. Mann, Atty. Viajar, and Atty. Nadua, AC No. 8096,
July 5, 2010
17. Sps.Agbulos vs. Gutierrez, GR No. 176530, June 16, 2009
18. Manangan vs. CFI, GR No. 82760, Aug. 30, 1990; Lapena 2009
19. Lemoine vs. Atty. Balon Jr., AC No. 5829, Oct 28, 2003
20. People vs. Godoy, GR Nos. 115908-09, Mar. 29, 1995
21. In the matter of the application for Habeas Corpus of MaximinoGamido vs. New
Bilibid Prison, GR No. 146783, July 29, 2002
22. Halili vs. CIR, GR No. L-24864, Nov. 19, 1985
23. Montecillo vs. Gica, 60 SCRA 234
24. Nuñez vs. Ibay, AM No. RTJ-06-1984, June 30, 2009
25. Tan vs. Balajadia, GR No. 169517, Mar. 14, 2006
26. PCGG vs. SB, et. al., GR No. 151809-12, April 12, 2005
27. People vs. Villanueva, GR No. L-19450, May 27, 1965
28. Noriega vs. Sison, GR No. L-24548, Oct. 27, 1983
29. Lim-Santiago vs. Saguico, AC No. 6705, Mar. 31, 2006
30. Catu vs. Relioso, AC No. 5738, Feb. 19, 2008

31. RollyPentecostesvs Atty. HermenegildoMarasigan, A.M. No. P-07-2337, August

03, 2007
32. Father Ranhilio C. Aquino et al vs. Atty. Edwin Pascua A.C. No.5095, November
28, 2007
33. Administrative case filed against Judge Jaime V. Quitain, JBC No.013, August 22,
2007
34. Rodolfo M. Bernardo vs. Atty Ismael F. Mejia, Adm Case No.2984, August 31,
2007
35. GSIS vs. Hon. Vicente A. Pacquing, AM No. RTJ-04-1831,February 2, 2007
36. Velez vs. Atty. De Vera A.C. No. 6697, July 25, 2006
37. Cynthia Advincula vs. Atty. Ernesto M. Macabata, AC No. 7204,March 07, 2007
38. In re: Petition to disqualify Atty. Leonardo De Vera, AC No.6052, December 11,
2003
39. Roberto Soriano vs. Atty Manuel Dizon, AC 6792, January 25,2006
40. Aguirre vsRana, BM 1036, June 10, 2003
41. Cruz vs. Mina, GR No. 154207, April 27, 2007
42. In re: Atty. MarcialEdillion, AM 1928, August 3, 1978
43. Letter of Atty. Cecilio Y. Arevalo Jr. BM 1370, May 9, 2005
44. Santos Jrvs Llamas, AC 4749, January 20, 2001
45. Donton vs. Dr. Tansingco, AC No. 6057, June 27, 2006

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46. Linsangan vs. Atty. Tolentino, AC No. 6672, September 4, 2009

47. Atty. Vitriolo et al vsAttyDasig, AC No. 4984, April 01, 2003
48. Santiago vs. Atty. Rafanan, AC No. 6252, October 5, 2004
49. Atty. Khan Jr. vs Atty. Simbillo AC No. 5299, August 19, 2003
50. BR Sebastian Enterprises, Inc. vs CA GR No. L-41862, February7, 1992
51. Diana Ramos vs. Atty. Jose R. Imbang, AC No. 6788, August23, 2007
52. Gisela Huyssenvs Atty. Fred L. Gutierrez, AC No. 6707, March24, 2006
53. Ali vs Atty. Bubong, AC No. 4018, March 8, 2005
54. Olazo vs. Justice Tinga, AM No. 10-5-7-SC, December 07, 2010
55. Que vs. Atty. Revilla Jr. AC No. 7054,December 4, 2009
56. People vs. Hon Maceda, GR No. 89591-96, January 24, 2000
57. Zeta vs. Malinao, AM No. P-220, December 20, 1978
58. Tan and Pagayokan vs. Balajadia, GR No. 169517, March 14,2006
59. Lijauco vs. Atty. Terrado AC No. 6317, August 31, 2006
60. Plus Builders Inc. vs. Atty. Revilla Jr. AC No. 7056, September 13, 2006

***NOTHING FOLLOWS***

Course Syllabus- Problem Areas in Legal Ethics